LADYBUG COTTAGE SPECIALS & ECO FRIENDLY

My husband and I (plus our dog) had the pleasure of staying in the Ladybug cottage (L.B.C.) in late March this year. Although the L.B.C is the smallest of the three cottages, it was the perfect amount of space for the three of us.
Inside there is a small kitchenette (a large mini-fridge, two-burner stovetop, small counter and sink) stocked with all the basics you would need (salt+pepper, olive oil, a rack of Italian spices, foil, pots, pans, utensils etc). Combined with the (really nice) new grill outside it's the perfect setup for bbqing & grilling.

Pros:
*The location is fantastic. Tucked away up in the hills it made for a really convenient location for getting to local hikes near Rattlesnake Canyon and beyond. It's really close to the Natural History Museum (which was fun, even without kids). Our drive to beach was usually 8 minutes or less (Arroyo Beach, Shoreline, etc). SO EASY. To get downtown it's a quick 10 minute drive and two or so exits on 101. It's also about a .7 mile walk to a large shopping center with lots of food options if you don't want to have to drive anywhere. We enjoyed a large brunch at Backyard Bowls (delicious- highly recommended) and had an easy walk back to the cottage afterward.
Up in the hills it is nice and quiet, lots of families and friendly people. Good for dog-walks in the evening if you bring your pet, or even if you just want to go for a stroll. Lots of beautiful, fragrant flowers and foliage in March. We LOVED the area.

*The gated front porch area was well used and appreciated during our stay. We enjoyed lounging/reading in the hammock. The L.B.C. is the only one of the three with a front porch and private gate.

*They provide beach chairs/cooler/beach umbrella for trips to the water and those came in handy during the trip-- it was so nice to have them already there for us to use!

*Easy laundry access next to the cottage (no coins needed) for longer stays

*Bed is new and comfortable. The area is quiet and no earplugs were needed. (Though our inhabitants with rowdy kids next door were a bit loud starting around 9:30 AM-- we were usually up around 8AM anyway, but keep this in mind if you are a late sleeper).

*Parking is easy (right in front for the Butterfly & Hummingbird, 10 feet away on the side (street) for the L.B.C.)

*The owners/property managers were all very friendly and easy to communicate with.

*Our deposits were returned promptly and 100% was refunded.

We will definitely be back!

This was a last minute booking when our other plans fell through. Cute little cottage with a nice outdoor area in a beautiful area of Santa Barbara. The only issue we had was with not being able to turn on the heater, but Cherise from the manager's office was willing to come over any time and fix it - which she did the next morning. Very reasonably priced and a great spot from which to explore Santa Barbara. And our dog loved it - lots of areas in the neighborhood for him to go walking in!

Our stay at Hummingbird Cottage was wonderfully relaxing and fun. Hate to say it, but we slept better than at home! NIce quiet neighborhood, convenient to shopping, sites, etc. It was great to sit on front porch and enjoy our morning coffee and to be able to grill fresh fish from the fish market for supper on the back patio. Thanks to the dog friendly policy, we brought our cocker spaniel along. Went to the dog beach one day, too. Fun! The property was exactly as presented in photos and descriptions and the owner was flexible on dates when I wanted to adjust our stay by one day. Santa Barbara is a whole different world from the rest of Southern California...beautiful and uncrowded. I highly recommend a visit and stay at this cozy cottage.